Doctors perform more than 790,000 knee replacements each year in the United States alone. While these numbers seem high, some studies show they could jump to a staggering 1.2 million by 2030. So how do you know when to schedule knee replacement surgery or if it’s best to wait?
In the past, doctors usually recommended waiting for joint replacement surgeries for as long as possible. However, advancements in surgical techniques and artificial joint technology have resulted in less invasive treatments with longer-lasting solutions. In fact, artificial knee joints still function well 20 years later in nine in 10 people.
Dr. Tadje offers both conservative and surgical solutions for knee pain at Tadje Orthopaedics in Meridian, Idaho. When considering knee replacement surgery, Dr.Tadje considers these factors:
Dr. Tadje strives to treat the people in his care with the most conservative therapies possible before turning to surgery. If you have knee pain, these could include:
However, if your symptoms don’t respond to these treatments — and you have pain even at rest — it could be time for knee replacement surgery.
For most people, pain isn’t the only issue when they have knee problems, especially when arthritis is to blame. Instead, you can also experience joint stiffness and swelling, which makes it impossible to work, walk, or participate in the simplest everyday tasks. For many, these symptoms reduce your mobility and even persist when you stop using the joint.
If your knee pain is forcing you to sit on the sidelines, joint replacement surgery could help restore your mobility so you can resume the activities you love.
Whether your knee pain develops from an injury or condition like arthritis, deformity in the joint can make the problem even worse. That’s because changes in joint function can lead to uneven wear on bone and cartilage in your knee. With time, this can lead to a bowlegged or knocked-knee appearance and worsening symptoms.
In these situations, knee replacement surgery can correct deformities, restore proper joint function, and eliminate symptoms like pain.
Living with chronic pain or reduced mobility can take a toll on your quality of life. For some people, it causes feelings of depression, sadness, and isolation. Plus, an increasingly sedentary lifestyle can impact your overall health. All of these issues can have a profound impact on your quality of life as well as your emotional and physical well-being.
Undergoing a knee replacement can get you back on your feet again so you can live your life to the fullest and stay physically active.
Ready to see if a knee replacement is right for you? Contact our office to book a consultation by calling 208-231-7851 or requesting an appointment online today.
